LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 25: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts to his delay of game warning during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 07: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Detroit Pistons during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 7, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers fouls Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2013 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 103-96. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets reacts as he takes his seat to watch the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at Staples Center on February 18, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 10: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after fouling out of the game late in the fourth quarter after a foul on Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 121-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS - APRIL 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 smiles during the Syracuse Orangemen practice for their Final Four game of the NCAA Tournament on April 4, 2003 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS - APRIL 5: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Syracuse University Orangeman smiles during the semifinal round of the NCAA Final Four Tournament against the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns at the Louisiana Superdome on April 5, 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Syracuse defeated Texas 95-84, advancing them to the Championship game. (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)

04 April 2002: Carmelo Anthony #22 of the East team dunks over the defense of the West team during the McDonalds boys High School All America Game at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The East team defeated the West team 138-107. Digital Image. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images

In what will rate as his first full season playing in Phil Jackson's triangle offense, word is Anthony is intent on getting back to the weight he entered the league at and going back to the days when he was as athletic as he's ever been.

"He wants to be a facilitator and the speed will help that," an associate of the league's No. 2 overall scorer told reporters. And the proof is in the Instagram.

This week, Anthony took to social media to post a photo of himself where it's clear it will be less of him to love for Knick fans this season. As a rookie in 2003, Anthony took the hardwood for the Nuggets weighing a relative svelte 230 pounds. Last season, that swelled to as much as 250, but clearly those days are again behind the now 11-year veteran who turned 30 less than three months ago.

At least part of Anthony's motivation also stems from the difference in the player he sees himself being going forward compared to the one he was often cast as over the last two seasons in since terminated coach Mike Woodson's system. Gone are the days when Anthony will be asked to swing between his natural small forward spot and power forward.

While Anthony is hoping the smaller frame and lesser burden of also being asked to rebound as a power player would will help him remain fresher to close out games, NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller is convinced it could also prove to be a factor in stretching his career.

"It will prolong their career,'' Miller said of both Anthony and four-time league MVP LeBron James, who has also noticeably slimmed down this summer as he prepares for his return to his native Cleveland Cavaliers. "You carry on too much weight, it shortens longevity of a basketball player especially later on. You get up in years, it's less wear and tear on your body. It's actually pretty smart.''

Besides drastically cutting down on carbs, Anthony is rumored to have dropped the weight by working out at least three times a week on basketball and agility drills and doing weightlifting and yoga routines.